Multicultural Education Curriculum and Implementation In order to have effective and successful implementation of multicultural education there are

many components and aspects that need to be addressed. Multicultural education consists of more than just following a guide and including various cultural content. It is complex and consists of a well thought out process and plan. Your school district needs a policy statement on multicultural education that clearly communicates the board of educations commitment to creating and maintaining schools in which students from both gender groups and from diverse racial, ethnic, social-class, cultural, and language groups will have an equal opportunity to learn (Banks, 2008). A school districts policy statement has multiple purposes including providing legitimacy and promoting the development of programs, and communicating the value of multicultural education to the district. Culturally and racial diverse staff is key in reinforcing the district view about diversity as well as enhancing students experience and understanding. Therefore it is important to create policies and procedures for ensuring a diverse staff. It is also important for schools to develop programs that increase attitudes and expectation toward diverse students. I have learned first-hand of the effect on peoples achievements and behavior from others attitudes and expectations. Developing a cultural content rich and diverse curriculum is key in developing students abilities to consider alternate perspectives and ways of thinking. Teachers play an extremely important role in a schools multicultural education. To ensure proper preparation for pre service teachers effective pre service multicultural education programs should be

adopted. Soliciting parental support and involvement is a great way to encourage school and home communication. I also learned that noninvolvement does not equal non parent interest or participation. Many parents are extremely busy and/or have valid and understandable reason for not being involved, and they must be treated and respected equally. Teaching strategies and materials must compliment students culture and provide realistic depictions of cultures without offence. Involving interactive, personalize and cooperative teaching strategies in the multicultural education curriculum offers an enhanced learning experience. Students need to be able to interact with each other and express their feelings and emotions. Monitoring is a must when it comes to the quality and effectiveness of multicultural education, therefore a well-organized and manageable monitoring program must be developed and implements. Monitoring offers feedback, suggestions, and progress. We can also aide us in closing the achievement gap. When we monitor we are able to identify the achievement gap, probable causes, and possible solution for developing a plan. We must all do our part to ensure all students receive an equal and a culturally diverse rich education.

Reference Banks, J. A. (2008) An introduction to multicultural education (4th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education. ISBN-13: 9780205518852